Empire State Today

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced enhancements to the FreshConnect Checks (FCC) Program, aimed at increasing the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at farmers' markets. Starting in 2025, farmers and vendors can redeem program coupons electronically for quicker reimbursement while maintaining service continuity for customers. This year, $3.2 million in FCC coupons will be available to eligible New Yorkers, supporting access to fresh food in underserved communities and boosting economic development by driving revenue to market vendors.

Commissioner Ball stated, "Our FreshConnect Checks Program has long helped consumers access nutritious foods while assisting farmers in expanding their reach to new markets. With this new electronic redemption system, participating farmers and vendors will have more flexibility, with several paths available to facilitate reimbursement this year."

The FCC Program is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and provides SNAP beneficiaries with $2 coupons for every $2 spent at participating farmers' markets. These coupons can be used for SNAP-eligible items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, honey, breads, cereals, and more.

A new mobile app will allow electronic coupon redemption with faster reimbursement via direct deposit. Farmers and vendors may also continue mailing in coupons as before. The electronic system increases versatility and encourages participation while continuing to assist New Yorkers in need.

Launched in 2011 by New York State to support fresh food access in high-need neighborhoods, the FCC Program had 71 participating markets last year with over 1.4 million coupons distributed.

Governor Kathy Hochul expanded the program through the FreshConnect Fresh2You Initiative in 2023. This initiative provides a dollar-for-dollar match on SNAP purchases to help families buy more healthy food amid reduced pandemic relief benefits and inflation costs.

In addition to SNAP users, Veterans and servicemembers can use FCC benefits at state farmers' markets. Veterans receive $50 in FreshConnect coupons from state Department of Veterans' Services offices.

These enhancements align with Governor Hochul’s “Money in Your Pockets” agenda aimed at addressing living costs across New York State by lowering taxes and providing refund checks among other measures.

Farmers' markets are vital components of New York's local food supply chain by offering locally grown foods directly from producers. Over 400 farmers' markets participate in AGM-sponsored programs across the state.